Harmans Water Primary School drops down Ofsted rankings

The school has gone from "good" to "requires improvement"

Cllr Gareth Barnard, the borough's executive member for children, young people and learning, said Harmans Water Primary School is already putting in measures to improve after its Ofsted report

A drop in teaching standards at a previously ‘good’ primary school has seen it slip down the Ofsted ranking.

Inspectors noted teachers at Harmans Water Primary School have a good relationship with pupils, but found their marking needed clearer guidance to help pupils improve.

A team from the education watchdog observed 25 lessons at the Wellington Drive primary last month.

The
inspectors’ report stated: “This school is not good because not all pupils achieve as well as they should in English and mathematics, teaching is not consistently good or better and some teachers do not understand the level at which pupils are working.”

Inspectors
said if teachers’ marking provided clear guidance and opportunities for
pupils to correct and improve their work, it would help make teaching better.

However, the report did note that senior leaders are improving the quality of teaching and raising pupil’s achievements.

The report added: “The school is a very cohesive community.

“Pupils
from different backgrounds get on well together and pupils enjoy school
reflected in their attendance, which is above average.”

Headteacher
Michael Harris said: “Like most schools, there is always some room for improvement and we’re grateful for Ofsted’s comments in terms of helping
us make Harmans Water an even better school for all pupils, staff and parents.

“We’re committed to further developing teaching and learning at the school so that we raise standards even further.”

He continued: “Parents, governors and teachers alike believe Harmans Water is a successful school.

“Ofsted has acknowledged that pupils enjoy and feel safe in school.

“It’s
pleasing to note that Ofsted has said teaching at the school continues to improve and this is enabling more children to make progress.”

Councillor
Gareth Barnard, executive member for children, young people and learning, added: “Naturally, it’s disappointing when a school receives an Ofsted rating that is lower than expected.

“Despite
this recent rating, inspectors noted Harmans Water Primary provides a place where pupils enjoy school, which is extremely important.

“Additionally, I’d like to assure parents and pupils that work is already under way to address the areas Ofsted suggested needed improvement.”